Master’s Programme in Animal Behaviour
Photo: Tom Wallis
Our Master’s Programme in Animal Behaviour will provide you a deep understanding of why animals behave the way they do. You will gain a solid theoretical foundation combined with advanced methodological skills, preparing you to analyse complex behavioural phenomena across species.
You will study how animals sense the world and how they communicate, the social structure of their communities, how they form pairs and reproduce, how they acquire and use information and solve problems, and how competition and co-operation arise. In addition, you will learn how behaviour develops during the life of the individual and the influence of learning and experience on behavioural development. Finally, you will understand how genetic background, selection, and culture influence the evolution of behaviour (both at the micro- and macro-evolutionary scale).
Knowledge of animal behaviour is important in many fields of biology, including ecology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and conservation biology. Animal behaviour also has applications outside of the scientific sphere. For instance, one important application for animal behaviour concerns the requirements of ethical treatment of animals and animal well-being.
Reasons to choose the Master in Animal Behaviour:
- Broad education covering animal sensory biology, cognition, social and sexual behaviour, communication, and behavioural ecology
- Hands-on training in laboratory methods, fieldwork, and advanced statistical analysis
- Extensive opportunities for conducting research projects in the laboratory and at Tovetorp research station
- Flexible structure with space for electives and optional courses to tailor the programme to your interests
- An international learning environment with close connections to cutting-edge behavioural research
The compulsory courses within the Master’s programme in Animal Behaviour will give you a strong foundation in the study of animal behaviour, including sensory biology, social and sexual behaviour, and animal cognition.
The elective and optional courses create flexibility in the programme allowing you to adapt your studies to your chosen career path. You are required to choose at least 7,5 credits of the elective courses listed below (updated each year). You can also include at least 22,5 credits of optional courses; these are any course that is not compulsory or elective and can be in other subjects or taken at another university.
During the compulsory independent project, the degree project, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed, in conducting a scientific study within the field of animal behaviour.
Year 1
Compulsory courses, autumn term
Science in Biological Research and Investigation
Compulsory courses, spring term
Animal Social and Sexual Behaviour
Elective courses, spring term
Cultural Evolution: Theories and Observations
Current Controversies in Animal Behaviour
Elective courses offered by Department of Psychology
Psychophysiology: Relationsships Between Psychological and Physionlogical Processes
Year 2
Compulsory courses
Degree project in Animal Behaviour
(instructions apply for all degree projects at the department)
Elective courses
Ecological and Evolutionary Responses to Climate Change
Marine Fish Biology and Fisheries
Elective courses offered by Department of Psychology
Emotion Psychology and Affective neuroscience
See also Year 1 for elective courses offered in the spring term.
Independent project
Degree projects, which are 30, 45 or 60 credits, are carried out within ongoing research projects at the Department of Zoology, within the current broad research projects covering: adaptive colouration, animal personality, brain evolution, cognition, collective behaviour, communication, foraging decisions, sexual selection, social behaviour. It is also possible to conduct the degree project externally, at a research institute, organisation or company.
The Master's programme in Animal Behaviour is only open for application in the first round, with deadline for applications in mid-January.
Specific eligibility
Admission to the Master's programme in Animal Behaviour requires a strong background in biology, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with at least one year of full-time studies in biology. All applications are assessed individually. The examples below are provided only as guidance.
Backgrounds that may be considered eligible
Applicants with a degree that includes substantial coursework in biology, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology (general or with a focus on ecology, evolution, physiology, or similar)
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (with at least one year of biology courses)
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a biological orientation (including sufficient biology coursework, such as neurobiology, animal behaviour)
- Other bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, if they include the equivalent of one year of biology
Backgrounds that may not be considered eligible
Applicants whose studies have little or no focus on biology, for example:
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology without biology-related courses
- Bachelor’s degree in veterinary nursing, veterinary technician, or animal care (with limited theoretical biology coursework)
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal management, or environmental studies without extensive biology courses
- Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, sociology, or related social sciences
- Bachelor’s degree in humanities or education without biology-related courses
Important to note
- These examples are not exhaustive.
- Meeting one of the “eligible” examples does not guarantee admission.
- Having a background listed as “not sufficient” may still qualify if combined with additional university-level biology courses.
- The final decision is always based on an individual assessment of your complete academic record.
Selection process
Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements are ranked based on their merit rating. Only students with the highest merit ratings are selected for our programmes. The merit rating is based on the following four selection criteria, with equal weight:
- relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme
- grades of academic courses
- motivation letter
- research ideas
Required supporting documentation
To submit your motivation letter and research ideas you must use our cover letter form (updated yearly, only latest version accepted).
Cover letter/Motivation letter
After submitting the form, download the generated PDF and upload it to your application at University Admissions before the supporting documentation deadline.
Do not make any changes to the resulting PDF!
Note! The form is only available during the application period, up to the supporting documentation deadline. Recommendation letters and CVs are neither required nor considered if included.
A Master’s degree in Animal Behaviour opens up a wide range of career paths. Many graduates continue into PhD studies and academic research, while others apply their knowledge in roles where understanding animal behaviour is essential.
Examples of career opportunities include:
- Doctoral studies and academic research in behaviour, ecology, evolution, or neuroscience
- Positions within environmental and conservation agencies
- Work with zoos, aquariums, and animal parks focusing on welfare, education, and conservation
- Roles in animal husbandry, wildlife management, and nature conservation organisations
- Advisory and consultancy work related to animal welfare, environmental policy, and sustainable management
With strong analytical training, practical research experience, and a solid theoretical base, you will be well prepared for both scientific and applied careers involving animals and their behaviour.
